27 March 2025 | Official Statement on the Edgar Legoale Soccer Schools Programme Launch | Tumahole High Schools Soccer Tournament | Easter Knockout Soccer Tournament 2025

The Edgar Legoale Foundation, in proud partnership with the Free State Department of Education – Fezile Dabi District, is pleased to announce the launch of the Edgar Legoale Soccer Schools Programme (ELSSP) and the Tumahole High Schools Soccer Tournament, serving as a strategic build-up to the 2025 Edgar Legoale Knockout Easter Soccer Tournament.

ABOUT THESE PROGRAMMES:

1. Edgar Legoale Soccer Schools Programme (ELSSP)

The Edgar Legoale Foundation is proud to launch the ELSSP, a bold initiative aimed at reviving and strengthening the soccer culture across schools in the Free State Province. Through this programme, we aim to encourage the formation of new soccer teams in schools where opportunities are limited or nonexistent, and support the growth of existing ones.
Our goal is to instill a structured sporting environment by hosting local leagues, friendly matches, and inter-school tournaments. We envision soccer becoming a unifying and empowering force that not only promotes physical wellness and discipline but also opens doors for mentorship, talent discovery, and youth empowerment.
This programme will serve as a foundation for long-term development in grassroots soccer, building bridges between schools, and providing positive alternatives for young people. It is our mission to reach every corner of the Free State, nurturing talent and restoring hope where it has faded.

The programme is guided by the theme:
“KEEPING YOUTH FOCUSED, ONE GOAL AT A TIME”
highlighting our commitment to channeling young energy into purpose-driven activities that promote focus, leadership, and a drug-free lifestyle.

Launch Details:

• Date: Saturday, 29 March 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM
• Venue: Phehellang Secondary School Hall, Tumahole, Parys

The event will be addressed by:

• Dr. Vusi Chuta, Fezile Dabi District Education Director
• In collaboration with speakers from Free State Care in Action, South African Police Service (SAPS), Tumahole Teachers Football Club (TTFC), and a special guest former professional soccer player

1. Tumahole High Schools Soccer Tournament

The Tumahole High Schools Soccer Tournament is the first tournament under the newly launched ELSSP. Scheduled for 12 April 2025, this event brings together all high schools in Tumahole in an exciting display of youth talent, teamwork, and community spirit.
The tournament serves not only as a competitive sporting event but also as an intentional intervention aimed at instilling good values and positive attitudes among high school learners. With the rise of drug abuse and social challenges faced by youth, we recognise the urgent need to reach learners at school-going age—before harmful behaviours take root.
By creating platforms like this, we are planting seeds of discipline, determination, and ambition in the hearts of young people. This event is also a build-up to our flagship Edgar Legoale Easter Soccer Tournament, making it a vital part of our annual calendar of youth development.

Participating schools include:

1. Phehellang Secondary School
2. Boitlamo Secondary School
3. Yakhisizwe Secondary School
4. Weiveld Agriculture and Hotel School
5. Schonkenville Intermediate School
6. Barnard Molokoane Comprehensive School

The winning school will receive R10,000 and lead a drug awareness campaign within their school and broader community. They will also face off in an exhibition match against the Tumahole Teachers Football Club (TTFC) during the final day of the Easter Tournament on 21 April 2025.
The TTFC, as local role models, will also receive R10,000 to run a dedicated drug awareness campaign in schools.

3. Edgar Legoale Easter Knockout Soccer Tournament

The Edgar Legoale Foundation is thrilled to present the 2025 Edgar Legoale Easter Knockout Soccer Tournament, proudly marking seven years of uniting communities and nurturing football talent across the Free State. What began as a local initiative has now grown into one of the province’s premier soccer events, celebrating both athletic excellence and social impact.
This year’s theme, “SAY NO TO DRUGS, YES TO GOALS!”, reflects our unwavering commitment to raising awareness around the dangers of drug abuse, especially among the youth. Alarming statistics show a continued rise in substance use, threatening the future of young people in South Africa—and the Free State is no exception. Through this tournament, we create a platform that keeps our youth engaged in meaningful activities, focused on their dreams, and connected to community support systems.

The tournament will take place from 18–21 April 2025 at the Mandela Sports Ground, next to Boitlamo Secondary School in Parys-Tumahole. Each day’s action begins at 9am, with 16 formidable teams battling for a total prize pool of R65,000:

1. R50,000 for the Champions
2. R10,000 for the Runner-up
3. R5,000 for Third Place

“As Chairperson of the Edgar Legoale Foundation, I believe in the power of sport to transform lives. We are raising athletes, leaders, and ambassadors for change—one goal at a time,” says Edgar Legoale.

The programme and tournaments will be broadcast live across Central News’ digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

For media enquiries, interviews and more information on the Edgar Legoale Foundation contact:

• Nthabiseng Molejane (Manager)
  +27 82 287 2290 (Whatsapp/Call)
  nthabiseng@edgarlegoale.com

For ELF Easter Soccer Tournament enquiries and registration:

• Dj Pots (Tournament Manager) +27 78 466 2089 (WhatsApp/Call)
• Blessing Maphisa (Assistant Tournament Manager)
  +27 76 649 1472 (WhatsApp) or +27 67 303 8688

Email: soccer@edgarlegoale.com
Website: www.edgarlegoale.com

Follow us:

• Facebook: @elksc | @edgarlegoalefoundation
• Twitter: @Elkschallenge
• Instagram: @edgarlegoalefoundation

Issued by: Edgar Legoale Foundation
Distributed by: Blaqsnaps Media
bongane@blaqsnaps.co.za | CC: blaqsnaps@gmail.com | +27 84 308 0975